Devante Swing and The Swing Mob (aka Da Bassment) | The Sad Ending

Devante Swing pioneered the Swing Mob, also known as Da Bassment. He is the brains behind Jodeci. He is a writer and producer who once traveled to Minnesota to audition for Prince. He didn’t get to meet him but when he got home he formed the group Jodeci with his brother Dalvin, K-CI and Jojo. Then he formed The Swing Mob aka Da Bassment.
The Swing Mob grew while Jodeci’s debut single Forever My Lady was a huge success. The group became one of the most iconic groups in R&B. While producing Jodeci’s legendary albums, he began to work with other artists too. He not only produced for established artists, he wanted to find and raise up new talent.
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Sources:
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[@sweeetzz]

I hope Devante know how much of a inspiration he is to people. Come back soon Devante you are truly missed!!!

[@TiffanyMarieMorris]

OMG YESS!!! I always say this. He’s a musical genius

[@makemsaydee25]

He use to slap everybody randomly

[@scuppo]

@@Piannocrazy genuine was his victim

[@wealthylifestyle719]

😆

[@TianaLove]

@@Piannocrazy what do they mean? Lol

[@Mr.Memphis10]

Devante Swing don't get the credit he deserves! Shout out to Devante Swing

[@rhondahall0184]

Riiight!

[@austincooks7823]

@@rhondahall0184 .

[@austincooks7823]

@@rhondahall0184 .

[@austincooks7823]

@@rhondahall0184 .

[@southeastd.c5636]

He never will,I think the industry and certain producers form an alliance against certain producers who's a threat.Devante and Jodeci owned the 90s when it came to R&B.

[@siloamking2486]

Devante is one of the greatest producers in modern history

[@jayburnell128]

Rest in peace to Static Major.

[@iamcasihart]

Kentucky represent! 🙌💙

[@wzupdet]

It’s crazy how Devante built Jodeci and then Static Major built Pretty Ricky.. both game changers.

[@HoodPsychoP3dia]

Keep naming

[@HoodPsychoP3dia]

Static made pony bby girl I learned that and was shocked bc Ginuwine told us this on drink champs no biggie i thought timbo made it too but 👎

[@diamondjack-cooper5322]

❤

[@jasondawson92]

Davante was like the second up to prince he knows how to play any instrument dude was gangsta and knew how to sing and write Davante Swing was badass and knew who had talent

[@susansusan138]

I believe it.

[@acduck2813]

Stop using the term gangster as if it's a good think. These ppl are the ticks sucking on the life blood of the ppl. Fuck all "gangsters" repent or death. Fuck em

[@soothingrainsounds5929]

I’ve heard him sing but not like sing sing if that makes sense .

[@cierrajjohnson]

@@acduck2813 lol stfu

[@lisaz1499]

@@acduck2813 shut up lol

[@wiltisdabest]

If Devante just kept his shit together, he could have been waaaay bigger and got the credit he deserves. Love Devante swing.

[@Shhhmusicxo]

Hurt people, hurt people. Devante, needed the right support around him to balance out his workload. He took on a lot of responsibility for jodeci and his basement crew at a very young age. On top of that he did have a big ego & was arrogant. He is still a great producer but he needed guidance and therapy....

[@RenieNostalgic]

Very true!

[@Shhhmusicxo]

@prodby. jay he also has 2 kids at a very young age before Jodeci left to go to New York. Must genius are a lil unbalanced and have high expectations. However I can’t imagine carry all this wait on my shoulders in my early 20’s. I think the title Dairy of a mad band..Has more to do with him, more so of self referencing himself...

[@MrLionelg33]

That's because DeVante Swing is a punk that's why for beating, hitting, smacking and abusing missy elliott, sista, timbaland, ginuwine, and da whole basement group I bet y'all he wouldn't do that to suge knight or 50 cent either fucking coward.

[@harvardbilly3739]

@@MrLionelg33 pls. you just saying stupid shit now.

[@KeKeLuvsNIGERIA]

Yup...it's called the Life of a CREATIVE Genius...it ain't easy but somebody gotta do it-2Pac💯

[@veronicasmith3987]

I met Devante once in an LA studio many years ago. My son spent a week there recording music with him. He was very cool, very nice guy. I wish him the best.

[@RenieNostalgic]

Wow! Thanks for sharing. That’s awesome. ❤️

[@deonnadyson]

Man yall are so lucky... I really want to meet him... lol

[@kimberlyjordan9023]

DeVante will always be the G.O.A.T He paved the way for a lot of artists and he really hasn't gotten credit that deserves

[@jayhunt81]

My favorite all time group & producer Jodeci & Devante Swing! We need that biopic ASAP!! Dude has always been underrated

[@miamiles7996]

I was so in love with Devante Swing had all his posters

[@richfranklin9270]

Devante is very underrated for his work

[@flex5752]

Never

[@KeKeLuvsNIGERIA]

This man has had a greater impact on African American culture than we can imagine 💯Simply consider the music, the artists , and all the African American Boys named after him...I LOVE telling little black boys how great their name sake is...and they just SMILE..May the Most High God Bless you wherever you are❤💋

[@NatHenrickClarke]

Have a nephew named after him

[@KeKeLuvsNIGERIA]

@@NatHenrickClarke See...I know...it's soooooo many little African American boys named after him...and when I play the video in class of DeVante playing the piano when he is dressed in red at a live concert ...They walk around with their chest puffed up all day looking like little roosters 🐓I love DeVante for that ❤

[@KeKeLuvsNIGERIA]

@@NatHenrickClarke just noticed you said had...I hope he is okay 🙏

[@NatHenrickClarke]

@@KeKeLuvsNIGERIA yes I meant have

[@KeKeLuvsNIGERIA]

@@NatHenrickClarke okay GOOD 👍

[@locs_bjuicy6397]

DeVante is/was a genius! 4ever a fan of JODeci!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@SoundBiteInc-]

static major. The pen behind some of Aaliyah’s biggest hits

[@christophercondoll5471]

Man Static was so underrated that ot hurts

[@iknowyouseeme2642]

Aaliyah had a crush on Devante when she was little if I am correct.?

[@gmafia4049]

Also Lil Wayne Lilipop

[@MrEOM41]

Yessir he was so talented

[@atlsongbyrd6084]

R.I.P. to him

[@msve3730]

Sometimes being in the leadership position is everything but fun, its stressful, its draining, and its taxing. Hearing this man would stay in the studio for weeks at a time and not tour, is to show you how serious he took his work. Im honestly thankful that this man didn't lose his life from that robbery gone bad. That was God's grace. Im so glad we don't have to put that in this video. Give this man his Hall of fame and Grammys and Star on the boulevard while he's here.

[@Multifacted_Brotha]

Devante is so underrated!! He could have been much bigger than he was!!

[@popealex]

I have nothing to say about the man’s personal life but to me he’s the greatest rnb producer of all time - it would be great if he would do an album full of songs like the jazz version of im still waiting or whatever other amazing shh he has in his vault. Big ups on the video, was nicely put together

[@cshell2001]

I admire his drive to acquire and nurture talent. That's a wonderful gift to be able to unlock potential. Not everyone would make it big but definitely some gratitude sounds fitting. Exceptional people are usually exceptionally difficult in some way unfortunately. My favourite songs were produced by Devante and I didn't even know it then. A true legend. 👍

[@TianaLove]

9:04 that picture of Devante gets me every time 😍

[@KBBarbie09]

Yes lawd ❤

[@tie3032]

My favorite member from the group Devante ❤️

[@cynthiapetty520]

De'Vante. should be very proud of what he brought together some of the greatest talent in the game of music, as a father to music teach your talent to how you want them to grow then let them go out into the world, this is what every good parent does with thier children teach them at home to prepare them for the world, and let them go but always know in your heart you did a great good, he did a great job with the talent he brought together to him at the time he felt betrayed, but they needed more than he could give them at the time, so they made thier way never forgetting what he did for each one of them, I hope he comes back soon the world needs more great men like De'Vante .

[@andyhastings4020]

This dude might be the most influential individual in TODAY'S music if you talking about the actual sound and evolution..He just happened to be hard to work with or to even get a long with..He will become more popular cause kids haven't really started to sample 90s music heavily yet..

[@charlestyner8631]

As long as he doesn't bring back his struggle tail, Devante is a helluva producer and needs to bring R&B back.

[@joshuaspikes7159]

DeVanté Is The Goat. I might name my son after him in the future

[@KeKeLuvsNIGERIA]

Alot of people do!! I love telling little 5th grade African American boys about their name sake DeVante Swing!! After I tell them look so proud...they just SMILE 😶

[@dontdoda1thang564]

Nah name him after yourself homie ✌🏿

[@cyyrious]

Only if you have Swing as his middle name 😂🤣😂

[@joshuaspikes7159]

@@cyyrious 😂😂😂😂

[@joshuaspikes7159]

@@cyyrious btw u beautiful😍

[@ParentalDiscretionIsAdvised]

This woman's voice, accent and diction is IMPECCABLE!

[@Inlaylawetrust]

This is so crazy. I’ve been obsessed with Aaliyah for as long as I can remember, it was always the sound with her and Timbaland a MissyElliot now to discover static major, and how he produced so many songs for people like Lil Wayne and Pretty Ricky and dig even further I discover Devante swing , I finally got to the root of this sound that I’ve been searching for and it all boils down to “Da basement , Swing Mob Virgina sound! I’m writing at 90s Album and I appreciate all the documentation on this sound s/o to timberland, Rip Aaliyah, Static 🕊️

[@shanb.9690]

Yeah Devante WAS REALLY THE BLUE PRINT HE REALLY WAS SO COOL AND DOPE A MUSICAL GENIUS

[@toricy8833]

Lord boy the good ones always get beat down by these industry people smh Devonte have always been the best and this generation will never know smh something certainly happened to him but with the way how this industry is set up we will never know his hard work will never ne praised or recongnized by many.

[@Ty-wy9he]

Devante put the mad in genius. You can’t treat people like that and expect them to stay. Rightfully so, his mentees surpassed him.

[@C-Lyfe85]

All I know is DeVante swing put these guys up, gave them food water and shelter, let them use expensive recording studios for free. Then they go behind his back and sign record deals? I would have been smacking & pistol whipping everybody too. That trademark Timberland sound that went on to be on Aaliyah's one in a million album, was developed in da basement. It was known as "da basement" sound, and to hear it all over the radio being misused, had to hurt DeVante a little. I see both sides.

[@elijahjackson9694]

I think it's because he was beat up and robbed in his own home and that it traumatized him

[@RenieNostalgic]

Yes for sure. Post traumatic stress disorder is likely to have played a part.

[@sammorgan169]

They were saying suge knight had something to do with that. It happen on his birthday When they rob him

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

@@RenieNostalgic Yes, I have said this for awhile. He had/has alot of symptoms that people show with PTSD. I hope he is doing better and has a good support system. I miss his music and hope he and Jodeci come back. I follow Mr. Dalvin on Instgram and he "teases" that there is a Jodeci movie coming soon.

[@DoveVzn]

@@johnsonzz-jw3oz dalvin been teasing a movie since they stopped making music publicly. However, one day it will indeed come.

[@cyyrious]

@@DoveVzn they just had an album out about a year ago I bought it and they are actually still making music but a movie would be great

[@thevisualizer8245]

I understand it from both ends. I also feel like since Devanté was very young himself, it may have been a challenge for him to do what he had to do for all those young people under him. I think he didn’t have much guidance which is most likely why he turned to Suge. It was probably some sort of relief for him when Suge came in. But it seemed like it was almost a “right message, wrong person” type of thing in my opinion. Although Suge handled his artists very poorly, he knew the business. So Devanté probably looked at him as someone to kind of look up to, which was a big mistake. Right idea, but wrong person. He may have ended up using Suge’s influence on the members, thinking that it was going to change the dynamic of things. It would be nice to see Devanté try this whole thing over again with younger talent/people who wanna learn from him now that he’s older and wiser, and has most likely learned from everything that has happened. We definitely need it. I’ve heard in interviews they had some great ideas back in the day. In Big Shann’s interview he says that Devanté was planning on getting swing mob involved in film production. Would’ve been really cool to see them in movies! I’d really like to see him give everything a second shot. Thanks for this great video!❤️

[@savajecaylala8784]

I think it may be coming back for a short period of time. Swing is currently working with a few of them right now to do an EP. Sugah, He may do something with Sisqo new group with black and smoke, he has some new artists to make an appearance , I’m hearing he may work with Ginuwine etc. DeVante is definitely needed back in the industry and I hope that rnb sound comes back. I wonder if he can help get some unreleased tracks from Static debut album too. Here’s the thing, ppl have to look at it from his POV. He had those artist before he got robbed and had all that pressure on him to make things happen for Jodeci and other since he was a teenager. He was too gifted to not be discovered. After the robbery everything changed. He was more guarded and did not heal completely. So the slightest feeling of a set up is gonna tick him off. That’s PTSD. Too much for anyone to handle when you’ve been very close to death. He had the wrong ppl around him. You live and you learn. I’m glad he cut suge off. It could’ve ended differently and horribly. For those artists to still rock with him after what happened and give him that credit , shows how great he was. Most of them still talk to him to this day. You can’t take away the man’s influence on rnb. You can’t even mention rnb without mentioning his group. His whole style is unmatched to this day. He definitely deserves that credit. Alot of producers took that from him. I’m glad he never gave up and decided it’s time to come back. I’m ready for it. I learned a lot from him and even learned how to play piano just by listening to him. I would mimic his method. He needs and deserves to come back and do what he does best. 🤷🏽‍♀️

[@RenieNostalgic]

Wow!!! That would be amazing. 😃😃

[@RenieNostalgic]

Yes without his influence where would R&B and Swing be?

[@natariaclarkson6120]

Where did you hear all of this from?????

[@savajecaylala8784]

@@natariaclarkson6120 hear what? The EP. Sugah is the one that confirmed it. They already discussed it with DeVante and Tweet confirmed it. It’s her group anyway. He’s still working in the industry he just works mostly with local artists. He doesn’t have social media but he has fanpages that his daughter shows him or close friends and he interacts with them that way. People wanted an ep from da bassment but currently it’s just sugah and DeVante. His demos are on KZbin with them so his fans wanted full versions.

[@natariaclarkson6120]

@@savajecaylala8784 yes I only knew about him working with sugah and I know he doesn’t have any social media I follow both of his kids

[@brittneybutler2491]

I have always loved DeVante's writing and production musicality and always will!💖💯 #Thanks@Renie Nostalgic!!👍💕😘💋🙌

[@RenieNostalgic]

Thanks for watching💕 Yes he is certainly a rare talent.

[@brittneybutler2491]

@@RenieNostalgic U r welcome, thank you and indeed he (DeVante) truly is!💯💯

[@mohill1003]

HE FLOATED THE WHOLE R & B INDUSTRY AT THAT TIME, SO MANY ARTISTS AND RECORD LABELS JUMP ON HIS WAVE AND HAD SUCCESS! AT THE END OF THE DAY, THE POLITICS OF THE MUSIC BUSINESS ALWAYS CAN GET TO THEM!

[@roz.b.7512]

Big ups to Timbaland for being a real one for giving credit where credit is due 👍👍

[@Mone333Williams]

Timberland is DEVANTE son real talk. Everything tim know is becuz he was DEVANTE student.

[@natalyahaynes4629]

This was great Devante swing will forever be a musical genius love his work & everything he’s done

[@anakin.2956]

Wooooow!! And u thought I knew all bout Devante's history! Another great vid, Queen. Jodeci and Devante, I believe, don't get the credit that they deserve. Mos def paved the way for R&B groups after them. He truly was/is a musical genius. Could you imagine if the Basement stayed together had Devante not acted up. I understand why everyone jumped ship but at least they all became successful. Have you noticed that the music geniuses were a lil, well I don't wanna say strange, but look at Michael Jackson, Kanye, even (I'm sorry to say) R. Kelly. There has to be a biopic on this tho!!

[@mohill1003]

A GUY LIKE davante JUST wants his tributes at the end of the day! He was the person that some of these successful artists WAS coordinated in the universe to Meet!

[@juliagulia5823]

Mr. Dalvin was always my favorite.❤

[@KBBarbie09]

I dont think he realize the depth of his reach. He was a genius. He help nurture Missy, Timberland & Static… 3 of THE GREATEST PRODUCERS IN THE WORLD. Now thats a Goat. He needs his flowers. Ginuwine - Tank was a back up singer for him. - Luke James was a background for Tank… shit is crazyyyyyyy

[@ParentalDiscretionIsAdvised]

He NEVER reached the peak of his powers! He created Swing Mob and all that came with it and not to mention being in a performing act around 21-22. Thats A LOT of work for anyone at that age and held it down until it was no more usually most dont reach said peak until their 30s...the fame stopped him from getting there! Nonetheless Devante doesnt get and yet DESERVES his flowers and acknowledgement!

[@crazyjsavedbygrace6089]

I remember always running into Devante and his Brother in Cali. I was always trying to get them to go to Church with my crew. I used to talk with them on the phone for a minute. They had said they started in church. When they Linked with Death Row they distanced them selves from speaking with me. I pray they will have the opportunity to grasp on to GOD once again. If you read this my man im that bald young gangster looking Mexican from Da S.S.M.O.B.

[@a.christian9647]

I think K Ci is singing for the Lord now.

[@flex5752]

@@a.christian9647 huh they always been into GOD

[@iamcasihart]

Thank you for creating this. This world is positively starved for what DeVante has and can produce! He is brilliant, and I do not use that word loosely. His songwriting, producing, and overall essence are one huge part of the soundtrack to my life. This video is informative and so appreciated! ♥️

[@MauriceDevonte]

When my friends yell out DeVante sing when they see me 😒

[@drayshawnc10]

😂😂😂😂ky friends mom says “Marcus darling” everytime she start talking to me😒

[@a.christian9647]

@@drayshawnc10 lol

[@allenprice1570]

I would love for Devante to meet my youngest son. He can play everything like Devante.

[@Aariyan096]

Okay, thank you for another video 👏🏽👏🏽. Since this is a longer one, I gotta sit and watch this one 😃😃💕.

[@RenieNostalgic]

Thanks for watching. I know it’s a long one. 😄 I appreciate it.

[@mrmalveaux5335]

Wow I didn’t know he laser or that he had a powerful position in the music industry wow! I have a whole new Level of respect for him.

[@angelgregory9445]

I was up late one night going down the KZbin rabbit hole and I found your channel, watched a few vids and am now a subscriber. I grew up listening to all the artists you cover and to find out all this new information is fascinating. I love your channel.

[@RenieNostalgic]

Thanks for subscribing💕 Much appreciated!

[@t.h.acrofilmcinema]

Timbaland got love for Devante and gave him his props and flowers. All good. And Devante said Timbaland is family in an interview about the new Jodeci album that came out in 2015.

[@gmafia4049]

OMG I couldn't believe that Sugah was still in the mix of Da Basement Crew like they didn't witness the success of Missy timberland Ginuwine and playa (Static Major) to follow their steps WOW. But I do remember Missy's First Episode of Mtv Cribs she introduced viewers to Tweet and she was playing the Guitar

[@asiaboo87]

I love it!! Feel bad for him actually, he is GOAT, love his talent, thanks.

[@justyb4963]

👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾 Brilliant exposé, absolutely brilliant! 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾✊🏾

[@RenieNostalgic]

Thank you! I appreciate it💕

[@taureanmay7480]

@@RenieNostalgic yours.

[@erickiam25]

He was wrong for treating his groups like that, he didn’t feed them

[@roz.b.7512]

Facts 💯 FACTS. The best artist usually don't get the credit they DESERVES!!!

[@dboyd9634]

Definitely one of the greatest.

[@kdbyers]

They could make a movie off this info alone. It would be a very sad ending though. I think De just dragged his feet too long with the crew and they just felt that moving on to record deals with so much more to offer and getting them on the radio I'm sure was very tempting. That's what they all were reaching for.

[@Cronellishways]

Much love to Devante, one of the greatest R&B producers of all times l.

[@reginaldbrownmusic8356]

pharrell williams IS IN THAT CAMP...AND TEDDY RILEY WAS PART OF THAT VA MOVEMENT TOO.

[@sk8brdkee]

Nah, Pharrell and Chad was way different from Da Bassment along with Teddy. Plus they work mostly in VA meanwhile Da Bassment worked in NY.

[@ayianab2365]

(thanks for using one of my pics in here lol.) great video! i really hope we can see or at least hear from him again. 🖤

[@shanikastevens6574]

I've actually met dalvin in passing in a party. He's very polite.

[@nodonatingtogossiporentert3167]

EXCELLENT WORK!

[@BeatsChill]

Channel going crazyyyy, keep up good the work ✌🏿🤙🏿

[@thejokersonyou]

Watch how you treat (or mistreat) people................. in the late 90s when it was THEIR TURN... I've neeeeeeeeeeever heard them even give him a shoutout...

[@nicolareid6362]

Thought I most definitely understand why they left , @DevanteSwing is most definitely a genius and I was so unaware of what he has done until this video.. big ups to that man.

[@erickiam25]

I want to see a movie of this

[@kincamell2]

Heavy. Ps Much Gratitude for sharing. Pps Peace to SMK (Southern Memphis Kings)

[@rabfrombk5005]

ONE OF THE BEST WHO EVER DID IT ! SALUTE TO DAVANTE was just So GOD GIFTED 💪🏾💯🙏🏾

[@AaronLesterMedia]

Great video...

[@millardthomas9059]

Its gonna sound silly but its countless kids named after him. Every Devante you know was born after 1991. Thats really cultural impact.

[@poohsreviews8992]

Joe Jackson and Devante Swing Knew How to Groom their Talents aka Protégé. I just seen the Summer Block party Tour w/ Jodeci and SWV. DEVANTE'S Light is Def Dim..Not the Same Energy as he had Back in the Day Performing. I PRAY that the Swing Mob coordinate some sort of Public Acknowledgment for DeVante. I do believe that can/will Breathe Life Back Into this Handsome, Brilliant and TALENTED BROTHER. Love you DeVante Swing and THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO R&B.. BTW, the concert was 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥K-Ci, JOJO, & MR. DALVIN STILL GOT IT GOING ON..Sending Love & Light to D Swing 🩶🖤🩶🖤🩶🖤🩶🖤

[@ronnellawashingtonrichards4863]

Successful plans have arrived and in full effect pure pressure greatness all love

[@kleo_7926]

Wow! Really good job :)

[@mohill1003]

SOOOO UNDERRATED AND UNDER APPRECIATED IS DEVANTE! HE NEEDED A GUY LIKE THE RZA DID WITH WU TANG! YOU HAVE ALL THAT TALENT YOU HAVE TO HAVE A PLAN TO PUT THEM OUT! HE COULD HAVE MADE WAY MORE MONEY AND TOP TIER HITS IF HIS BUSINESS MIND WAS CORRECT!

[@marlonious7650]

R&B is much tougher to record. Hip hop music can be mass produced much easier.

[@professorxaviour3649]

Each member of the wu left rza and went their separate ways one by one!!

[@goat5018]

wasn’t Ginuwine called Tornado 🌪 at first ... 😂

[@patrickleon7]

Yessir

[@oldieseras5539]

But give this man his flowers ❤️❤️❤️

[@MsDisneylandlover]

I was looking at your content u must be a big pac fan I love me so Tupac. Rip.

[@timsmooth39]

This should be a movie.

[@shohdtv]

DeVante f’d up. Once he realized it, it was too late. He had always been in control, until he connected w/ Suge. He thought Suge was gonna get him outta his contract w/ Andre Harrel @ Uptown/MCA. He wanted total control. He wanted complete power. Wat he DIDNT kno was, Suge’s ways. And that who DeVante wanted to b, Suge already was in real life! N just a much more shrewd and evil version of that. He didn’t kno he literally handed Suge an opportunity to take over not just Jodeci’s management contracts, but Mary J. Blige’s and others that were on Uptown. Death Row did an ad campaign which was a two page list of their artists on the label on one side, and artists they managed on the other. Jodeci/MJB we’re definitely on that list. The robbery/kidnapping was public info back then. The other things rumored to b goin on was the presence of Suge’s associates who were known to b guys from jail that Suge had around for disciplinary purposes. Some said to b violent in action and even as far as sexually related forms of discipline as well. Not just Devante, but KCi/JoJo were said to b changing as well. Devante’s appearance even changed as it became a more feminine edge to it. K&JJ were seen constantly drinkn & smoking to an extent that people would b disappointed to c them in person off stage. U never heard much about Dalvin other than it was said to b his bday when the robbery happened. But never really any bad reports. They said DeVante would return to his “basement” crew and act more n more “Suge-like”. It was said he smacked either Stevie J or Tim right in front of everyone. But wat was consistent in the stories told was how once Suge came into the picture...DeVante couldn’t shake him. As if he was a prisoner of some sort. Industry insiders said DeVante was violated, and was gonna try n get away, n then the robbery happened. He wasn’t supposed to make it out of that situation. If u look at the timeline, it’s almost like he just disappeared off the scene completely. KC/JJ eventually went solo, n fell victim to their poor choices. With the control Suge had in the industry I think DeVante felt helpless but more so just knew he made some decisions that costd him everything he had worked for/towards his entire life. The change was too abrupt & sudden to just think DeVante’s demise was from “drug use”. If drugs played a part, it was definitely AFTER the decisions had been made that shifted his life into a downward spiral. Probably thee saddest story in the industry to date. Literally the next Prince. Robbed on so many levels of his creations. Truly b4 his time & actually a living legend at the exact same time. And everyone else got to take the credit for wat truly was...HIS. Damn...

[@DoveVzn]

You’re giving suge way too much credit right now. Devante doesn’t have any bad blood with suge. It’s deeper than suge

[@nyckim2949]

Wait... Violated like how?? 👀

[@taureanmay7480]

Wow.

[@jessebacon817]

@@DoveVznyou must be a millennial.

[@user-ue9bi2ui2q]

DEVAAANTAAAY SWAAAAAAAAAANNNNGGG! OOOOWEEEE!

[@freedom7508]

My guy could have a record label that could rival ROC if he was more business-minded.

[@AandP4dummieslikeme]

I knew he was talented but I had no idea. I also had no idea there was so much controversy behind him. Thank you for posting this :-)

[@baberzafar5802]

I think he had immense pressure on his shoulders. Yes I think after hooking up with Suge he felt he needed to be more tougher and harder on the artists as is the way in the industry and especially in that mid 90s period that death row was demonstrating. I also think drugs and alcohol affected him during the end of that bassment era and the betrayal he must have felt fueled that need to make those bad choices.. Cut throat industry. When you have all that talent vultures gonna be hanging around wanting a piece.

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

Loved your video! You did a great job with facts and not just including hearsay. I thought of only two things that were left out or time wise incorrect. The robbery actually happened when they were recording the second album. Mr. Dalvin talked about it in an interview I saw on KZbin. It was his birthday and the group was recording the single "Alone", which is featured on "Diary of a Mad Band." Also, I briefly read through some of Timberland's book a few years ago, and he said that he was going to get some food for DeVante one night, and he took the DeVante's girlfriend with him for the ride, and they ended up in a car crash. He was hurt, but she was killed..I'm thinking that may have also contributed to DeVante's mental state of mind during that time and perhaps a part to his changing behavior towards the people around him, including Timberland. Once again great informative video.

[@RenieNostalgic]

Thanks you for that great info. That’s so sad.

[@ariannalewis7155]

who was his gf?

[@johnsonzz-jw3oz]

@@ariannalewis7155 I don't know they never Timberland never her name he just said girlfriend in the book.

[@taureanmay7480]

@@RenieNostalgic wow.

[@Takingabeating]

Oh no!

[@blufaerie]

I didn’t know any of this! Just that Missy and Timbaland were from Va… Wow!!!

[@SweetBbyRaya]

My little brother was named after him. 1993 🙂

[@markteakle2046]

Very good video. personally I think the robbery was the main reason for the change in Devante. Yeah Suge could have had a negative effect but the robbery and people leaving him and his own issues had more effect on him.

[@ericcoffee6841]

Wow you just don't hear about how many artist Devonte help develop. Ginuwine is from my hometown and I thought Missy and Timbaland found him.

[@scoobytaylor4850]

They was all wit jodeci

[@latenighthub]

That drink champs with timbaland made me wanna slap him 😂 like come on bruh 😒

[@shawnspruill5212]

Can we woman all agree that davonte was the finest man around??? A little violent but fine as hell!!!

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Rip to my love aaliyah

[@hoochiemama2171]

Rip. 🕊 She was so talented and had such a beautiful spirit 🕊

[@taureanmay7480]

Rest her soul.

[@avace917]

When I first heard Pony, I SWORE Devante did it. I didn't know of Timbaland besides rapping on the Jodeci records

[@avace917]

Suge managing Jodeci wasn't a rumor. It said so on the Show, The After-party, The Hotel

[@josephescobedo5226]

@@avace917 Dalvin also shouted Suge their manager out when they won an award for Lately in 1994 Soul Train Awards

[@avace917]

I never saw that. I met Missy in 96 before the Aaliyah stuff was out and she played me some of it. I asked who did the beats and she said Timbaland. Then I put the pieces together

[@taureanmay7480]

Yes.

[@johnd6535]

Rochester is about 6 and half hours away from nyc

[@MsDisneylandlover]

They need a movie

[@hollihoodnews9391]

Fantastic Video💯♥💪🏿👍🏿

[@Prod499]

If you really think about it devante did the original making the band

[@RenieNostalgic]

Yep! That’s what Susan said.

[@andreawilliams4778]

Static Major wrote lollipop for lil wayne

[@chrissy8768]

lemme go get my popcorn and enjoy this

[@HansumTrini]

Caramel for me Chrissy...please? Thanks

[@taureanmay7480]

Oooooh.

[@anthonymartin8541]

Snoop an Kurupt always show love to Suge even tho it was conflict but I heard Devante put hands on them so maybe that's why they don't big him up like that💯

[@MsDisneylandlover]

Loved your accent sister